Time to break out the apple cider and cozy quilts—fall is here, and every state has its own way of celebrating. From pumpkin patches to scenic drives, there are plenty of free or low-cost ways to enjoy the season. Here’s a guide to some of the best autumn activities across America in 2025.
Alabama
The tiny mountain town of Mentone transforms each October during its Fall Festival, set for October 18 at the historic Moon Lake Campus. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, taste regional food, and enjoy live bluegrass music with Lookout Mountain as the backdrop. Families especially love the kids’ activity area and the colorful pet parade. Even outside the festival, Mentone is a prime destination for fall leaf-peeping. Just minutes away, DeSoto State Park offers hiking trails and waterfalls framed by Alabama’s brightest fall foliage.
Alaska
Autumn comes early in Alaska, making September and October ideal months to explore the trails at the Eagle River Nature Center. Just 40 minutes from Anchorage, the center runs guided walks, naturalist talks, and kid-friendly programs that explain how local wildlife prepares for the long winter. Visitors can hike the Albert Loop Trail for river views lined with golden birch trees or spot moose against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. The center is donation-based, so it’s a low-cost way to experience the season.
Arizona
In Mesa, Vertuccio Farms draws families all season long with its “Cooler Days in the Corn Maze” festival, running from October 3 through November 2. For $17 admission, you can wander a five-acre corn maze, bowl with pumpkins, or cheer on rubber duck races. The pumpkin patch is perfect for photo ops, and kids love the barrel train rides and zip line. With food vendors and live entertainment rounding out the day, it’s one of the most affordable full-day outings in the Phoenix area.
Arkansas
History buffs will find a unique autumn tradition in Eureka Springs at Voices from Eureka’s Silent City. During late October, costumed actors guide small groups through the town’s historic cemetery, telling the stories of real residents who shaped the town’s past. The experience is more theatrical than spooky, and proceeds support the local historical museum. With cool fall evenings and lantern-lit pathways, it’s an atmospheric way to connect with Arkansas history while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
California
California’s long fall season offers plenty of budget-friendly adventures. A drive along Highway 395 reveals stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, Mono Lake, and the Eastern Sierra’s brilliant aspen groves. For a more festive stop, head to the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, happening every October on the coast. The free festival features pumpkin-flavored everything, live music, a pumpkin parade, and the famous giant pumpkin weigh-off, where gourds can top 2,000 pounds. It’s the kind of quirky celebration that captures the spirit of fall in California.
Colorado
Denver celebrates Halloween with a twist during the Boonion Station Trick-or-Treat Parade, where kids in costume parade through Union Station and compete for prizes in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. The event is free, making it a favorite for local families. For a more traditional fall outing, the Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms near Littleton spans seven acres of twists and turns. Admission is around $18 for adults and $10 for children, and the site also offers hayrides, a mini maze for younger kids, and a pumpkin patch to round out the experience.
Connecticut
Cider season kicks off in Mystic at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the U.S. Open daily through December, it offers free demonstrations of cider pressing and tastings of both sweet and hard cider. The on-site store sells fresh pies, donuts, and pumpkin bread, making it a favorite stop for fall treats. Another great option is Riverview Farms in Glastonbury, where families can enjoy hayrides through the orchard, a petting zoo, and apple fritters hot from the fryer. Both farms provide an inexpensive and authentic taste of New England’s fall traditions.
Delaware
Few places embrace Halloween like Rehoboth Beach during the Sea Witch Festival, taking place October 24–26. The weekend includes a massive costume parade, a dog parade, trick-or-treating on the boardwalk, and dozens of vendor booths. Live music and kid-friendly activities stretch across the town, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Admission is free, so families can enjoy as much or as little of the festival as they like. The combination of ocean views and spooky fun makes it one of the most unique fall celebrations in the Mid-Atlantic.
Florida
Fall in Florida doesn’t always mean changing leaves, but it does bring the annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival near Bradenton. Running on weekends in October, the festival has become a local tradition for more than three decades. Families can enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, live country music, and even pig races. Children especially love the pony rides and barnyard playground, while adults can browse arts and crafts booths featuring local vendors. Admission is just $15 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5–12, making it an affordable day out. With pumpkins, carnival rides, and plenty of food—including homemade ice cream and pie—it’s a full taste of fall in the Sunshine State.
Georgia
In Kennesaw, the Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival lights up the night sky with glowing balloons and a lively Oktoberfest atmosphere. Scheduled for October 23–24, the event is part hot air balloon glow, part street festival, and part Halloween party. Visitors can enjoy tethered balloon rides, costume contests, live music, and a vendor marketplace. Children’s activities include games and crafts, while adults can explore the “Taste of Oktoberfest” section for seasonal food and beverages. Tickets start at $15, making it one of the most unique and budget-friendly fall festivals in Georgia.
Hawaii
While Hawaii doesn’t get the classic crisp air and colorful leaves, locals still celebrate the season with pumpkin patches and fall activities. At Kula Country Farms on Maui, the annual pumpkin patch opens in October, offering panoramic views of the island alongside fields of bright orange pumpkins. Families can wander through rows of gourds, take photos against the backdrop of Haleakalā, and enjoy farm-fresh treats. It’s a reminder that fall fun isn’t only for the mainland—and with low admission fees, it’s a charming, affordable way to embrace the season island-style.
Idaho
In October, many Idaho towns celebrate fall with Oktoberfest-themed gatherings and community festivals. The Lava Hot Springs Community Center often hosts seasonal games, music, and family-friendly activities that bring the town together. Visitors can also explore local pumpkin patches or join beer tastings at regional breweries during Oktoberfest weekends. Between the autumn colors in Idaho’s mountains and the small-town celebrations, it’s a great place to enjoy fall without spending much more than the cost of a few snacks or a tasting ticket.
Illinois
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch in Champaign has been a family destination for decades, offering free admission and plenty of affordable activities. Guests can pick apples, wander the corn maze, and snack on their famous apple cider donuts. Children love the “Land of Oz” play area, complete with rope mazes and slides, while adults can browse the farm store for pies, honey, and fresh cider. For a more festival-like experience, head to the Morton Pumpkin Festival, a four-day event each September that celebrates Morton’s claim as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” Between the parades, food booths, and pumpkin-themed contests, it’s one of Illinois’ most affordable family traditions.
Indiana
At Huber’s Orchard, Winery, & Vineyards, fall means more than pumpkin picking. Families can enjoy homemade ice cream, cheeses, and fresh-baked pies, while adults sample wine and brandy produced on-site. Children can explore the farm’s U-Pick orchards and meet barnyard animals. With no admission fee and pay-as-you-go attractions, it’s an inexpensive way to spend a crisp autumn day. The combination of farm fun and local wine makes Huber’s a popular weekend destination just outside Louisville.
Iowa
In Sioux City, the three-day Fall Fest brings together family activities across the city. From hayrides and pumpkin decorating to cultural performances and seasonal markets, the event is designed to highlight the best of the community in autumn. Many of the activities are free, while others charge small fees for materials or rides. With its mix of traditions, live entertainment, and fall food, it’s a celebration that showcases both the season and local pride.
Kansas
One of the state’s largest fall celebrations is Neewollah in Independence, a nine-day festival whose name is “Halloween” spelled backward. The event dates back more than 100 years and now includes three parades, carnival rides, live performances, and a chili cook-off. Admission to most events is free, with costs only for rides or special shows. The sheer scale of Neewollah makes it a must-visit, offering days of entertainment for families without breaking the budget.
Kentucky
In Lexington, the Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky puts on its annual Autumn Scarecrow Display. Throughout October, scarecrows crafted by community members line the pathways, turning the gardens into a whimsical art walk. The display is free and open to the public, making it an easy way to enjoy the season while taking in the Arboretum’s natural beauty. With fall colors peaking in late October, it’s one of the best times to stroll the grounds.
Louisiana
New Orleans has no shortage of festivals, but fall belongs to the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival. Held each November, the event celebrates the city’s signature sandwich with dozens of local restaurants competing to create the best po’boys. Admission is free, and sandwiches are sold at affordable prices, giving visitors the chance to sample everything from traditional fried shrimp to creative new fillings. Live music stages and local art vendors line Oak Street, turning it into a lively autumn block party.
Maine
Leaf-peeping is the highlight of fall in Maine, and one of the cheapest ways to enjoy it is by driving along the state’s scenic byways. Routes like the Acadia Byway, Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, and Old Canada Road are especially popular in October. These drives showcase colorful forests, mountain lakes, and coastal views—all for the price of a tank of gas. Many byways also pass small towns hosting harvest fairs or lobster festivals, adding even more local flavor to the journey.
Maryland
On October 19, Tilghman Island hosts its annual Tilghman Island Day, a waterfront festival that celebrates Chesapeake Bay traditions. Visitors can watch crab-picking and oyster-shucking contests, boat docking competitions, and even rowboat races. Admission is free, and seafood lovers can purchase freshly caught meals directly from local vendors. The event is a perfect blend of maritime culture and small-town charm, all set against the backdrop of the bay in its autumn colors.
Massachusetts
No state embraces spooky season quite like Massachusetts. In Salem, the Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market runs throughout October as part of the city’s Haunted Happenings celebration. Visitors can browse booths selling crystals, tarot decks, and handcrafted goods, or book a reading with a local psychic. Street performers, costume contests, and parades add to the carnival atmosphere. While some activities have a fee, simply wandering through the market and soaking up the Halloween spirit is free—and unforgettable.
Michigan
On Mackinac Island, fall takes on a spooky twist with Halloween Weekend in late October. The island, which is car-free year-round, hosts costume parties, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating for families. The historic Grand Hotel and Mission Point Resort often transform their halls into haunted attractions, while downtown shops offer pumpkin-themed treats. With ferry tickets as the main cost of getting there, the island provides an affordable and uniquely Michigan way to celebrate the season.
Minnesota
Minnesota communities get creative with seasonal activities, including trick-or-treat geocaching. Families use GPS coordinates to hunt for hidden treats and prizes, combining outdoor exploration with Halloween fun. State parks also join in with themed hikes and campfire events in October, many of which are free or require only a small park entry fee. It’s a modern, low-cost twist on trick-or-treating that gets kids outside.
Mississippi
Greenville celebrates its culinary heritage each October with the Delta Hot Tamale Festival. What started as a local gathering has grown into a three-day event featuring cooking contests, live music, and of course, plenty of tamales. Admission is free, and food vendors sell tamales for just a few dollars apiece. With storytelling events and a “Hot Tamale Eating Contest,” it’s one of the tastiest ways to enjoy fall in Mississippi.
Missouri
Mount Vernon’s Apple Butter Makin’ Days is a fall tradition dating back nearly 60 years. Each October, volunteers cook apple butter in copper kettles over open fires, filling the town square with its sweet aroma. Visitors can sample and buy jars of the finished product while browsing hundreds of craft and food booths. The festival also features live entertainment, a parade, and kids’ contests, all with free admission. It’s a classic small-town celebration that captures the warmth of autumn in the Ozarks.
Nebraska
Nebraska City is famous for its apples, and each September the AppleJack Festival at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard draws thousands of visitors. Families can ride hay wagons through the orchard, pick their own apples, and enjoy fresh apple cider donuts hot from the fryer. The event also features live music, craft vendors, and children’s games. Later in the season, the orchard hosts a Scarecrow Festival with creative displays along the farm’s trails, making it a perfect backdrop for fall photos. Both events are free to attend, with costs only for food, crafts, or U-pick produce.
Nevada
In Winnemucca, Lazy P Adventure Farm transforms into a hub of fall fun every October. The 43-acre farm features a five-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and even a “cow train” for younger visitors. Families can meet farm animals, explore the petting zoo, and sample fresh produce from the garden. For those who like a scare, the farm also offers the “Farm of Terror” haunted attraction after dark on select weekends. With low-cost admission and family-friendly pricing, it’s a budget-conscious way to enjoy Nevada’s harvest season.
New Hampshire
Leaf peeping is practically a sport in New Hampshire, and the state makes it easy with its Foliage Tracker. Peak color usually arrives from late September through mid-October, depending on elevation. Drivers flock to the Kancamagus Highway, a 34-mile stretch through the White Mountains that’s considered one of the most beautiful fall drives in the U.S. Hikers can explore Crawford Notch State Park for waterfalls framed by vibrant leaves, or take in quieter views at Northwood Meadows State Park. Since most of these parks charge only a modest vehicle fee, it’s one of the cheapest ways to experience the glory of New England in fall.
New Jersey
Autumn in New Jersey often means fresh cider, and the Ralston Cider Mill in Mendham Township offers both tours and tastings. The restored mill demonstrates traditional cider-making techniques and tells the story of cider’s role in early American history. Admission is just a few dollars, making it an inexpensive but fascinating outing. Many visitors pair their trip with a stop at a nearby pumpkin patch or farm market, creating a full day of fall fun without spending much.
New Mexico
Albuquerque’s Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival Holiday Show is one of the Southwest’s largest seasonal markets, held in early November. Admission is under $10, and visitors can browse booths filled with handmade pottery, jewelry, paintings, and woodwork from over 185 artisans. Live music, local food trucks, and wine tastings round out the experience. It’s a budget-friendly way to shop for unique holiday gifts while enjoying New Mexico’s crisp autumn weather.
New York
For just $8 per car, visitors can explore the waterfalls and gorges of Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region. The park’s Gorge Trail winds past 19 waterfalls and offers unforgettable photo opportunities, especially in October when the surrounding trees turn shades of red and gold. Beyond Watkins Glen, New York boasts dozens of other state parks that charge minimal entry fees, such as Letchworth (the “Grand Canyon of the East”) and Taughannock Falls. With so many options, it’s easy to find affordable outdoor adventures across the state.
North Carolina
Western North Carolina is apple country, and Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock is a favorite fall stop. Admission is free, and visitors can buy U-pick bags to fill with crisp apples straight from the trees. The orchard also features hayrides, a “bee train” for kids, barnyard animals, and plenty of photo-worthy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t miss the apple cider donuts, made fresh daily and often served still warm. Between the low cost and the variety of activities, Sky Top makes for a classic fall family outing.
North Dakota
Along the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile stretch between Gladstone and Regent, visitors encounter some of the largest scrap-metal sculptures in the world. From giant grasshoppers to a massive flock of geese, the roadside art installations make the drive unforgettable—especially against a backdrop of golden prairie grasses in autumn. The best part? It’s completely free, aside from the cost of gas. Pack a picnic and stop in Regent at the small gift shop and museum to round out the trip.
Ohio
Each October, the town of Waynesville hosts the Sauerkraut Festival, a two-day event that draws more than 350,000 visitors. The festival is packed with vendors selling everything from kraut pizza to sauerkraut fudge (yes, really). Beyond the food, guests can browse hundreds of arts and crafts booths and enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages. Admission is free, and food items are reasonably priced, making it a fun and affordable way to sample Ohio’s quirky side of fall.
Oklahoma
In downtown Oklahoma City, Pumpkinville at Myriad Botanical Gardens is a three-week celebration that typically runs through most of October. Each year brings a new theme, transforming the Children’s Garden with thousands of pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and colorful mums. Activities include crafts, games, and storytelling, with special events like trick-or-treating weekends. Admission is around $9, and members of the gardens get in free. It’s one of the most affordable and photo-worthy fall attractions in the state.
Oregon
Oregon embraces its quirky side with the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin, where competitors paddle across a lake in hollowed-out pumpkins. The event, usually held in mid-October, also features a costume contest, pie eating contests, and kids’ crafts. Admission is free, and watching the pumpkin boats wobble across the water is entertainment enough. With food vendors and live performances rounding out the day, it’s one of Oregon’s most unusual and affordable fall traditions.
Pennsylvania
In Biglerville, Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market offers Fall Colors Wagon Rides in October. For just a few dollars per person, families can ride through the orchards and enjoy panoramic views of autumn leaves. The farm also hosts Halloween-themed events, like trick-or-treat wagon rides and pumpkin painting. Beyond Hollabaugh Bros., Pennsylvania is home to dozens of fall festivals, from the National Apple Harvest Festival in Adams County to the Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion, many of which have free or low-cost admission.
Rhode Island
Escobar’s Highland Farm in Portsmouth is home to one of Rhode Island’s most beloved corn mazes, an eight-acre labyrinth that changes design each year. Families can also take hayrides, pick pumpkins, and enjoy seasonal treats. Admission is under $15, making it an inexpensive way to spend a fall afternoon. For more farm fun, Confreda Greenhouses & Farms in Hope offers hayrides and a pumpkin patch, while Cucumber Hill Farm in Foster
South Carolina
In Beaufort, the Habersham Harvest Festival transforms the Habersham Marketplace into a lively fall fair. This year’s festival runs from October 10–12 and features a Friday night carnival, followed by a weekend filled with artisan vendors, live music, and seasonal food. Families can enjoy hayrides, pony rides, and plenty of kids’ activities, while adults explore craft booths or relax with local fare. Admission is free, though some rides and attractions charge a small fee. With its festive atmosphere and beautiful Lowcountry backdrop, the Habersham Harvest Festival is a perfect example of Southern hospitality in autumn.
South Dakota
For a breathtaking drive, few places compare to Needles Highway in Custer State Park. This 14-mile route winds past towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, and sweeping views of the Black Hills. In autumn, the road is framed by golden aspens and fiery red maples, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country. The park charges a $20 vehicle entrance fee for a seven-day pass, which also covers access to nearby attractions like Sylvan Lake. Set aside at least an hour for the drive, plus extra time to stop at overlooks and trailheads—it’s an inexpensive way to see some of South Dakota’s most stunning fall landscapes.
Tennessee
Downtown Franklin hosts PumpkinFest each October, and it has grown into Tennessee’s largest fall family event. Scheduled for October 25 this year, the festival features more than 140 arts and crafts vendors, 30 food booths, and multiple stages of live entertainment. Kids can enjoy inflatables, face painting, and games in the “KidZone,” while adults browse artisan goods and sample seasonal treats. Costume contests for both pets and people add to the fun. Best of all, admission is free, making it one of the most budget-friendly fall experiences in Middle Tennessee. With historic Franklin’s brick-lined streets as the setting, PumpkinFest combines small-town charm with a full day of entertainment.
Texas
Just outside Austin, Barton Hill Farms hosts its annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch from late September through early November. Families can wander through a giant corn maze, pick pumpkins, and take scenic hayrides along the Colorado River. The farm also offers more than 30 attractions, including farm animals, barrel train rides, and lawn games. Food trucks and a beer garden round out the experience, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. Tickets start at around $20, and children two and under get in free. It’s one of Texas’s best-loved seasonal traditions, combining farm fun with the beauty of the Hill Country in autumn.
Utah
In West Jordan, WitchFest at Gardner Village turns an entire shopping village into a whimsical Halloween playground. Running from September 19 through October 31, the event features dozens of witch displays scattered around the property for a free scavenger hunt. Families can also book tickets for add-on experiences like the Witchapalooza Dinner Theater, face painting, and storytelling. Shops and restaurants join in with seasonal specials, and kids love riding the “Six Hags Witches Adventure” train. While admission to Gardner Village is free, parking on peak days costs a few dollars, making this a low-cost way to enjoy a full day of festive fun.
Vermont
At Shelburne Orchards, just south of Burlington, visitors can pick their own apples while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Champlain. The orchard is famous for its apple cider donuts, which pair perfectly with hot cider on a cool October day. Beyond apple picking, Shelburne hosts small fall festivals featuring live music, hayrides, and seasonal foods. With no admission fee and pay-as-you-go activities, it’s a classic Vermont fall experience. The combination of mountain foliage and lake views makes it one of the most picturesque orchards in New England.
Virginia
Virginia is spoiled with fall options, but few experiences compare to a drive through Shenandoah National Park. The Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers more than 70 overlooks for leaf-peeping. Peak color usually hits in mid-October, and the $30-per-vehicle entrance fee is valid for seven days, giving families time to explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. For those who prefer festivals, Cox Farms Fall Festival near Washington, D.C. offers slides, hayrides, and a massive pumpkin patch, making it one of the most popular family outings in the state.
Washington
In Snohomish Valley, farms celebrate the season with events that collectively make up the Festival of Pumpkins. Stocker Farms and Craven Farm are two of the highlights, each offering pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and seasonal treats. These farms also host nighttime events for older kids and adults, like haunted attractions and flashlight maze adventures. Admission generally ranges from $10–$20, making it a budget-friendly way to spend a crisp fall afternoon or an adventurous evening.
West Virginia
Hikers flock to the Appalachian Trail in October, when the mountains of West Virginia glow with peak foliage. One of the best spots to enjoy the view is Harpers Ferry, often called the “psychological halfway point” of the trail. The town itself celebrates fall with historic tours, local markets, and cozy cafés. Driving through the surrounding Shenandoah Valley is another inexpensive option, with scenic overlooks and picnic spots that showcase the season’s colors.
Wisconsin
Bayfield’s Applefest has been celebrating Wisconsin’s apple harvest for more than 60 years. Each October, the town welcomes tens of thousands of visitors with orchard tours, parades, and apple-themed foods. Admission is free, and food items are affordably priced, making it one of the state’s best budget festivals. For a different experience, Old World Wisconsin hosts “Fall on the Farms,” a living-history event where interpreters demonstrate 19th-century harvest traditions. Both experiences showcase the state’s agricultural heritage in family-friendly, low-cost ways.
Wyoming
Cheyenne embraces spooky season with its Frightseeing Ghost Tours, hosted aboard the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley. On weekends in October, costumed guides share stories of the city’s haunted past during a 90-minute ride through historic districts. Tickets cost about $20 for adults and $15 for children, making it an affordable way to enjoy a blend of history and Halloween. For those who prefer nature, Wyoming’s national parks—including Grand Teton and Yellowstone—offer stunning fall landscapes before the snow sets in, and entrance passes cover multiple days of exploration.
Wrapping Up
No matter where you live, fall brings a chance to slow down, step outside, and enjoy the season’s simple pleasures. From apple orchards in New England to pumpkin festivals in the South, and from mountain drives in the Rockies to ghost tours on the prairie, every state offers its own way to celebrate autumn on a budget.
These festivals, farms, and scenic spots prove that making fall memories doesn’t have to be expensive—sometimes the best experiences are as simple as a hayride, a hot cider donut, or a drive under golden leaves. Wherever you are this season, there’s a nearby tradition waiting to be discovered.
